What are the Health Benefits of Wheatgrass?

From ancient Egypt to the present day, people have long recognised the highly nourishing effects of wheatgrass — the young shoots of the common wheat plant. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes wheatgrass a superfood, its potential therapeutic benefits, and how to use this nutrient-dense plant for overall wellness. 

What is Wheatgrass? 

Wheat is one of the most widely consumed foods, providing an estimated 20% of the world’s calorie intake. However, it’s not just the grain that’s useful.

Wheatgrass is the name given to the young shoots of the common wheat plant, or Triticum aestivum. Around 10 days after forming roots, Triticum aestivum produces long green leaves, which are harvested as wheatgrass. 

These shoots are highly nutritious and can be eaten raw, made into a juice, or dried and made into a powder. With a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, they are classified as microgreens, similar to beetroot and kale.

History of Wheatgrass Use 

According to online sources, people have recognised the health-promoting benefits of wheatgrass for over 5000 years. An article from Swalife Healthcare states that the ancient Egyptians “held it in high esteem, linking it to health and vitality.”

However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that wheatgrass began to garner widespread public attention. Its growth in popularity began with Charles F. Schabel, a food scientist who conducted experiments on livestock. He found that chickens fed a higher proportion of wheatgrass grew faster, were healthier, and produced 150% more eggs. Similar results were observed in experiments with other animals. 

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Dr Anne Wigmore—a pioneer of holistic nutrition—popularised wheatgrass as a superfood. In her books and lectures, she encouraged daily use of fresh wheatgrass, particularly in juice form, to improve overall health and energy.

What Makes Wheatgrass a Superfood? 

Vitamins and Minerals

Wheatgrass contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals. It contains a particularly high concentration of vitamins A, C, and E, which are potent antioxidants, helping defend the body against oxidative damage. 

The plant is also a good source of B vitamins that help support energy production. Notably, it contains vitamin B12 — a nutrient that’s uncommon in plant-based foods and usually comes from animal products.

In terms of minerals, wheatgrass is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Calcium supports healthy bones and teeth, magnesium is vital for muscle and nerve function, and iron plays a key role in producing red blood cells and maintaining oxygen flow throughout the body.

Chlorophyll Content

Compared to other plant-based supplements, wheatgrass has a particularly high concentration of chlorophyll, a green pigment that gives the plants their colour. Studies show chlorophyll has several benefits for health including:

• Protection against oxidative damage

• Regulating the immune system response

• Helping protect against mutations and cancer

• Reducing the risk of obesity 

• Supporting the function of hormones

Amino Acids and Protein Content

Wheatgrass powder is packed with amino acids, the essential building blocks the body needs to create proteins. An analysis of wheatgrass juice found 18 different amino acids, including several essential ones that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain through diet. Amino acids are critical for tissue repair, muscle development, and the maintenance of biochemical processes in the body. 

Wheatgrass also contains enzymes, which are specialised proteins that facilitate reactions in cells. This includes enzymes involved in digestion, helping the body absorb essential nutrients from foods, and oxidases, helping protect against oxidative damage. 

Potential Therapeutic Uses of Wheatgrass 

Because of its many health benefits, researchers have investigated whether wheatgrass could have a role in protecting from or even treating certain diseases. 

To date, it’s not prescribed for any health complications and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for medical treatment. However, research suggests it could have benefits when used alongside standard therapies. 

Adjunctive to cancer therapy

Test-tube studies suggest that wheatgrass may help reduce the growth of cancerous tumours.

One research group investigated the effects of a wheatgrass extract on isolated cancer cells and found that it altered the cells’ shapes and prevented them from dividing. It also activated mechanisms in the cells required for self-destruction. 

When tested in rats, the extract slowed the growth of melanoma (skin cancer) and boosted the activity of cytokines, which are small molecules that help the body fight cancer.

Currently, human evidence for wheatgrass’s benefits in cancer is limited. However, one small study in colon cancer patients found that daily injections of wheatgrass, along with chemotherapy, increased concentrations of the cytokine IL-10 compared with chemotherapy alone. 

Reducing blood sugar levels in diabetes

A study on diabetic rats found that wheatgrass helped lower both blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The researchers also observed reduced markers of oxidative stress, which are often elevated in diabetes. They suggested that wheatgrass may help reduce diabetes-related complications through its antioxidative effects. 

In addition to antioxidant mechanisms, wheatgrass could manage diabetes through its effects on enzymes. In another rodent study, wheatgrass activated enzymes in the liver that help convert glucose into energy, potentially helping lower blood sugar. 

Currently, only one small human study on the effects of wheatgrass on diabetic patients has been published. In the study, people with type 2 diabetes consumed 50 millilitres of wheatgrass juice for 30 days and had significantly lower fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels at the study end. Other common symptoms were also reduced, including excessive hunger and thirst, and general weakness. 

Helping prevent and manage obesity 

Wheatgrass is a soluble fibre, which is a food group considered beneficial for obesity. These fibres form a gel-like substance in the gut, which slows the absorption of sugars and fats, reducing fat storage. 

In several rodent studies, consuming wheatgrass has been shown to lower body fat levels. Wheatgrass also contains compounds called thykaloids, which help promote feelings of fullness through their impact on enzymes and fat digestion. 

No studies have specifically examined the effects of wheatgrass in people with obesity. However, one study found that treating obese mice with wheatgrass powder led to reduced fat and total body weight. 

Treatment of anaemia 

Anaemia is when people having fewer red blood cells or red blood cells that don’t function properly. Wheatgrass may help protect red blood cells in anaemia by removing excess iron and reducing cell damage caused by harmful oxidative molecules. 

In a study of patients with thalassemia, a type of anaemia, regular consumption of wheatgrass for six months was associated with improved overall functioning. The patients also showed higher levels of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

How to Consume Wheatgrass 

Wheatgrass can be consumed in many forms, each with its own benefits. 

• Fresh Juice:  Made by juicing young wheatgrass shoots. This is the most natural form and retains the highest levels of nutrients. However, it’s tricky to find, as it’s not commonly sold in shops and can quickly go out of date. 

• Powdered Wheatgrass: Dried and finely ground wheatgrass is highly versatile. It can be mixed into water, smoothies, juices, or sprinkled over foods. It has a longer shelf life than fresh juice, retains most of the nutrients, and allows precise portion control.

• Tablets or Capsules: Concentrated forms of wheatgrass that are convenient for people on the go. However, they often contain lots of artificial additives and may have lower bioavailability than fresh juice or powder.

• Wheatgrass Shots or Blends: Pre-mixed beverages that typically combine wheatgrass with other fruits or vegetables. While tasty and convenient, the nutrient content can vary depending on the processing method. It’s also generally more cost-effective to make your own blends using powdered wheatgrass.

At NutriCraft, we produce organic wheatgrass powder from young, tender shoots grown with sustainable methods. Our wheatgrass is harvested at its peak for a naturally sweet, pleasant flavour, and dried at low temperatures to preserve its valuable nutrients. It’s then finely milled into a smooth powder that’s easy to mix into food or sprinkle over your favourite dishes. 

With its mild, nutty taste, our wheatgrass powder complements both sweet and savoury recipes. It blends beautifully into smoothies and baked goods, and can be mixed with water for a quick, nutritious shot. If making a drink, we recommend mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of powder with a small amount of water first to form a paste to ensure the best consistency. 

Who Should Use Wheatgrass? 

Wheatgrass is a superfood that can support overall physical functioning. It may also help prevent or manage certain health conditions. However, because research is still limited, it should be used as a supplement, not a substitute, for medical treatment.

Wheatgrass is generally considered safe, but some people should avoid it or consult with a medical professional first. This includes:

• People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance: wheatgrass itself is usually gluten-free, but contamination can occur during the harvesting process

• People with grass allergies 

• People with bleeding disorders: As wheatgrass may cause blood-thinning

• Digestive disorders: When eaten raw, wheatgrass can cause nausea and diarrhoea

Wheatgrass can also easily become contaminated with mould, causing a risk of infection that may be particularly dangerous in people with a compromised immune system. At NutriCraft, we ensure all our products exceed health and safety requirements to prevent these risks.

If you’re looking for a tasty and versatile way to boost your vitality, try our wheatgrass powder. It offers excellent quality at one of the most affordable prices on the market.